Hormonal Coordination

• What is the primary function of hormones in the human endocrine system?

  Hormones are released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream to affect target organs or tissues.
• How do the effects of the endocrine system compare to those of the nervous system?

  The effects of the endocrine system are slower but last longer than those of the nervous system.
• What type of molecules are hormones?

  Hormones are large chemical molecules.
• What is considered the most important endocrine gland?

  The pituitary gland is considered the most important endocrine gland.
• What role does the pituitary gland play in the endocrine system?

  The pituitary gland secretes many hormones that act on other endocrine glands.
• What is diabetes?


  • A group of disorders
  • Blood glucose cannot be properly regulated
  • Potentially dangerous
  • Two types with different causes and treatments
• What is the definition of a hormone?


  A hormone is a large chemical released by an endocrine gland that has target tissues/organs and produces an effect when it reaches them.
• What is a target organ or tissue?

  A target organ or tissue is the destination of a hormone where the effect caused by the hormone actually happens.
• What does the term 'secrete' mean in the context of hormones?

  'Secrete' refers to the release of a chemical in the body, such as a hormone from an endocrine gland.
• What is insulin and what is its function?

  Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose concentration by making cells take in glucose from the blood.
• What is glycogen?


  Glycogen is a large chemical made from glucose that acts as a store of glucose in liver and muscle cells.
• What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?

  The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' because it secretes hormones that can make other endocrine glands release hormones.
• What is negative feedback in the context of hormone secretion?

  Negative feedback is a process where the secretion of hormones is stimulated by a change from the normal level, and the hormone brings the condition back under control, preventing its own release.

  
• Which hormone is controlled by negative feedback and stimulates the basal metabolic rate?

  Thyroxine, secreted by the thyroid gland, is controlled by negative feedback and stimulates the basal metabolic rate.
• What is the function of adrenaline in the body?

  Adrenaline increases heart rate, delivering more oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles, preparing the body for 'fight or flight'.
• How does the pancreas control blood glucose concentration?

  • Detects rising blood glucose concentration
  • Releases insulin to lower blood glucose
  • Converts glucose to glycogen for storage
  • Detects falling blood glucose concentration
  • Releases glucagon to raise blood glucose
  • Converts glycogen back to glucose

  
• What happens when blood glucose concentration rises after eating?

  The pancreas detects the rise and releases insulin, causing glucose to move out of the blood and into cells.
• What do muscle and liver cells do with glucose when insulin is released?

  Muscle and liver cells take in glucose and convert it to glycogen for storage.
• What happens when blood glucose concentration drops too low?

  The pancreas detects the drop and releases glucagon, which causes muscle and liver cells to convert glycogen back into glucose.
• How does the pancreas maintain blood glucose concentration within tight limits?

  The pancreas uses insulin to lower blood glucose and glucagon to raise it, maintaining homeostasis.